Overview
Successful recovery from surgery requires more than just rest. Patients need a progressive combination of mobility restoration, swelling control, muscle activation, and functional retraining.
At ESPT, we collaborate with orthopedic surgeons across the Bay Area to provide evidence-based rehabilitation that restores movement, reduces pain, and supports a complete recovery.
Our pathway begins with early pain and swelling management, then progresses into strength building and movement training. For athletes and active patients, ESPT offers advanced performance-based training to ensure a safe return to sport and demanding activities.
Common Surgeries We Treat
ESPT Pathways for Post-Op Patients
Insurance-Based Post-Op Rehabilitation
Covered services for patients meeting medical necessity
Focus of care:
- Pain and swelling management
- Gentle range of motion restoration
- Gait training and ADL preparation
- Strength and motor control within surgical guidelines
Who provides care:
- Licensed Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Licensed PT Assistants under PT supervision
- Doctor of Physical Therapy students in terminal internships, under direct PT supervision
Limitations:
- Subject to insurance caps, pre-authorizations, and “medical necessity” definitions
- Care progression may be dictated by insurance, not always by patient readiness
Cash-Pay PT (Extended Post-Op Care)
Premium, 1-on-1 sessions for patients wanting advanced treatment beyond insurance limits
Focus of care:
- Extended manual therapy and mobility training
- Strengthening beyond traditional discharge thresholds
- Functional retraining for gym, work, and lifestyle activities
- 40–60 minute private sessions with ESPT Licensed PTs
Best for:
- Patients with longer or complex recovery timelines
- Those who exhaust insurance visits but need continued care
- Individuals wanting unrestricted, advanced rehabilitation
Sports Performance Training (Post-Op Performance Pathway)
For athletes and active patients transitioning from rehab back to sport
Begins with: Post-Op Performance Assessment by an ESPT clinician
Focus of care:
- Running, plyometric, and agility readiness testing
- Coordination, balance, and advanced movement retraining
- Return-to-sport progression: cutting, jumping, throwing, lifting
- Gym-based performance training for long-term durability
Who provides care:
- ESPT Licensed PTs (Premier PT sessions)
- ESPT Performance Specialists (structured packages)
Best for:
- Athletes cleared by their surgeon/PT for advanced activity
- Active adults returning to high-demand work, lifting, or sport
Why Choose ESPT
- Trusted Across the Bay Area – ESPT frequently works with patients referred from leading hospital systems, including Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Stanford Health, and Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- Trusted by Surgeons – Many Bay Area orthopedic surgeons refer directly to ESPT
- Structured Progression – Clear pathway: Insurance Rehab → Cash-Pay PT → Performance Training.
- Expert Oversight – Care directed by ESPT’s licensed physical therapists, following surgeon protocols and criteria-based progression.
- Individualized Recovery – Programs tailored to each surgery type, personal goals, and recovery timeline.
Who This Program is For
- Insurance Pathway: Patients in the early stages of recovery needing swelling control, pain reduction, and foundational mobility
- Cash-Pay PT Pathway: Patients with complex or long recovery timelines, or those wanting extended/manual therapy beyond insurance limits
- Performance Pathway: Athletes and active adults preparing to return to sport, lifting, or high-level activities safely
Pricing & Pathways
Cash-Pay PT (Rehabilitation)
- 40-minute: $200 (Staff PT) / $250 (Senior PT)
- 60-minute: $225 (Staff PT) / $275 (Senior PT)
- Packages available for extended care (see Cash-Pay PT page)
Sports Performance Training
- Post-Op Performance Assessment (Required): $275 (60 min with ESPT clinician)
- Premier Training (Licensed PT): $175 / 40 min (single sessions only)
- Performance Specialist Packages:
- Single Session: $110 / hr
- Intro Package: 3 sessions for $285 ($95/session)
- 5-Session Package: $475 ($95/session)
- 10-Session Package: $900 ($90/session) – Best Value